Cochrane is delighted to announce the official launch of Cochrane Bosnia and Herzegovina

Cochrane Bosnia and Herzegovina will be located at the University of Mostar School of Medicine in Mostar, Bosnia and Herzegovina. Bosnia and Herzegovina is a country in South-Eastern Europe with a population of 3 791 622 people.

Cochrane Bosnia and Herzegovina will promote evidence-based decision making in health care in Bosnia and Herzegovina by supporting and training new Bosnian and Herzegovinian authors of Cochrane Reviews, as well as working with clinicians, professional associations, policy-makers, patients, and the media to encourage the dissemination and use of Cochrane evidence.

Cochrane Bosnia and Herzegovina is part of Cochrane, a global independent network of researchers, professionals, patients, carers and people interested in health. Cochrane works with collaborators from more than 130 countries to produce credible, accessible health information that is free from commercial sponsorship and other conflicts of interest. Cochrane’s work is recognized as representing an international gold standard for high quality, trusted information.

Cochrane Bosnia and Herzegovina is an Affiliate of Cochrane Croatia; therefore, it will be co-ordinated and led by Cochrane Croatia who will offer methodological support, mentoring, and supervision.

The Director of Cochrane Bosnia and Herzegovina, Filipa Markotić, says this is a hugely exciting opportunity: “The launch of Cochrane Bosnia and Herzegovina is very important, both to Bosnia and Herzegovina and globally. Producing and increasing the dissemination of the best available information on health care is critical for clinicians and patients everywhere in the world, including Bosnia and Herzegovina”.

Cochrane’s CEO Mark Wilson, warmly welcomed today’s news, “I am delighted we are announcing Cochrane Bosnia and Herzegovina which, by working closely together, will deepen and expand the scope, reach, and impact of Cochrane activities on health and healthcare decision making across Bosnia and Herzegovina. This is also an important announcement for global health research. Cochrane Bosnia and Herzegovina will promote recognition of studies conducted and published in Bosnia and Herzegovina and this will not only increase access to evidence, but also promote sharing of clinical experience across the country, and the world.”

“This is an excellent opportunity for scientific growth, and gives us the chance to train students and a future generation that will develop high-quality research. Our chance to support health professionals in improving their decision making based on the best available evidence will support patient care.” Jelena Todorović Barbuscia, Cochrane Bosnia and Herzegovina’s Co-Director concluded, “This is an innovation for our region and we intend to collaborate in the dissemination of Cochrane Reviews and to continue supporting Cochrane to reach its 2020 strategic objectives.”